Beech Tree News Network

HAWESVILLE - Butler County wouldn't be denied a win on the road at Hancock County in a regular-season finale. The Bears managed to outlast host Hancock County 55-54 in a boys' high school basketball regular-season finale on Thursday night.

Butler County and Hancock County are longtime Third Region rivals from neighboring districts.

With the win, its second victory in three days, Butler County improved to 11-13.

Hancock County dropped to 14-14 with the loss.

The Bears exit the regular-season on a two-game winning streak. Butler County has won three of its last five games. 

Fans who were in attendance at the Butler County-Hancock County boys' basketball game were treated to another scoring exhibition from a longtime leader for the Bears. Senior guard Will Moore poured in a game-high 29 points to lead Butler County to the win.

Butler County featured three scorers in double figures as Brennan Grubb netted 12 points and Parker Rice contributed 10 points. 

Familiar foes, Butler County and Hancock County swapped leads throughout the late-season contest. The first quarter concluded with the two boys' high school basketball teams tied 10-10. Hancock County edged the Bears 20-19 in the second quarter to lead 30-29 at halftime but failed to remain out in front after intermission.

Butler County started the second half strong, outscoring Hancock County 17-12 in the third quarter. The Bears moved out in front following the break and managed to hold off Hancock County late.

Justin Elms and Hayden Hodge rounded out the Butler County individual scoring, chipping in two points apiece. 

Butler County shot 47.9 percent (23-of-48) from the field. The Bears were 9-of-20 (45 percent) from 3-point range.

Butler County was 0-for-3 from the free throw line following a limited number of foul shots attempted during the regular-season finale. 

Senior center Lathan Lamar led Hancock County with 15 points. Hancock County featured four scorers in double figures as Jacob White tossed in 12 points and John Fox and Jaxson Gray posted 11 points apiece.

Brandon Lucas completed the Hancock County individual scoring, chipping in five points for the Hornets in the short effort.  

Butler County is now preparing for the 12th District Boys' Basketball Tournament. The Bears are slated to face Grayson County in the 12th District Boys' Basketball Tournament at Whitesville Trinity High School at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 20). 

* * * 

Lady Bears fall to Owensboro in final regular-season game

MORGANTOWN - The Butler County Lady Bears ended the regular-season in the loss column. Visiting Owensboro pulled away to beat Butler County 70-49 in a girls' high school basketball regular-season finale on Friday night. 

The victory allowed Owensboro to halt a five-game losing skid. 

With the loss, its fifth straight setback, Butler County dropped to 5-19.

Owensboro improved to 8-18 with the win. 

The Lady Bears were forced to play from behind in the home game. Owensboro, which featured four scorers in double figures, gradually distanced itself from the Lady Bears.

The Lady Devils moved ahead early. Owensboro outscored Butler County 18-10 in the opening quarter and managed to stretch its lead out to a double digit advantage before intermission. The Lady Devils led 33-23 at halftime and outscored the Lady Bears 15-9 in the third quarter. 

Jaleah Tutt and Tayonna Greer led Owensboro with 16 points apiece. Longtime teammates, Tutt and Greer shared game-high scoring honors.

Tomorah Young and Zakiya Board accompanied Tutt and Greer in double figures for the Lady Devils, posting 10 points apiece for the Lady Devils. 

Aiding the Owensboro offensive effort, Maliyah Wilson Taylor (eight points), Elaiyah Badger (four points), Lyric Lawrence (four points) and Kaylyn Sowders (two points) provided additional scoring for the Lady Devils in the triumph.

Maddie Cardwell led Butler County with a team-high 15 points. Maddy Murphy joined Caldwell in double figures for the Lady Bears, scoring 10 points.

Hannah Chaney chipped in six points while Aubrey Clark contributed four points and Jacie Ward and Audrey Deweese netted three points apiece for the Lady Bears.

Jaelyn Taylor, Kasidy Graham and Taylin Clark rounded out the Butler County individual scoring, finishing with two points each. 

Butler County has turned its focus to the postseason. The Lady Bears are slated to meet familiar counterpart Edmonson County in the opening game of the 12th District Girls' Basketball Tournament at Whitesville Trinity High School at 6 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 19). 

---

Beech Tree News Staff Report